No doctor appointment this week. However, i managed to wash my own hair on thursday!! Achievement unlocked! YAY!
This post will be a reflection post and what i learnt from the past weeks.
1) my cast and sling is a good conversation starter.
2) Many people had their bones broken before. From taxi driver, to Grab driver, to hairdresser.
3) People compared their sprains with the fracture. I have to say the pain level is vastly different. I sprained my ankle last year, and the pain was nowhere near fracture. I had a grade 2 sprain and managed to hike up and down a mountain. No way am i able to do that with a fracture.
4) Sympathy from plenty
5) Life still goes on with one arm. Improvise and things will be easier
6) Showering is tough but is do-able without wrapping up the cast with plastic wrap.
7) You dont get seats offered on mrt and bus oftern.
8) I will always take multiple looks at people whom i saw with a cast on their arm.
9) I will notice people with a cast and sling
10) my family are very good to me.
11) I am wary of slippery surfaces.
12) I dont have much pain.
All is not too bad with my fracture. With my fracture, i was able to leave work earlier and start work later. Leaving work earlier, i was able to go back to my parents' place and play with my nieces and spend time with my parents.
As a newly wed, there is presure, both from society and myself that i should not always be at my parent's place. However with my injury, i have legitiamte reasons to be at my parent's home as that is a place i can recuperate comfortably when i leave early from work. To be frank, I am still getting used to my inlaw's place and being able to go to my own parents' place everyday after work, made me really happy. I think this injury is a blesing in disguise for me.
Sunday 22 May 2016
7th week - 9 May 2016 to 15 May 2016
Appointment on 12 May 2016. Doctor told me that my next appointment would be on 23 May as she was not available on 19 May 2016. She told me that i am likley to be converted to a brace! YAY!!
I was instructed to do my xrays after my cast is removed on 23 May 2016. Difffeent from the usual. The usual practice is that xrays are done after re-cast as doctors would be worried that casting will caused movement and may shift the bones.
Xrays looked the same. It is a sign of stabilisation.
15 May 2016,
I had buffet lunch at Marriot hotel with my husband. I was worried that i wont be able to pick my own food and carry it over to my table. My husband helped me with the first round. Subsequently, i tried to take and carry my own food, i was able to do so. As i love seafood, i took lots of oyster, lobsters, crayfish and prawn. All these food requires both hands to peel. To do so, i placed the plates on my lap and i peeled the shell with both hands. The seafood were delicious.
I was instructed to do my xrays after my cast is removed on 23 May 2016. Difffeent from the usual. The usual practice is that xrays are done after re-cast as doctors would be worried that casting will caused movement and may shift the bones.
Xrays looked the same. It is a sign of stabilisation.
15 May 2016,
I had buffet lunch at Marriot hotel with my husband. I was worried that i wont be able to pick my own food and carry it over to my table. My husband helped me with the first round. Subsequently, i tried to take and carry my own food, i was able to do so. As i love seafood, i took lots of oyster, lobsters, crayfish and prawn. All these food requires both hands to peel. To do so, i placed the plates on my lap and i peeled the shell with both hands. The seafood were delicious.
6th week - 2 May 2016 to 8 May 2016
Nothing much again at my weekly visit to the orthopaedics. As usual, i was optimistic about my recovery.
Doctor told me another 2 to 3 weeks to convert me to a functional brace.
Doctor told me another 2 to 3 weeks to convert me to a functional brace.
5th week - 25 April 2016 to 1 May 2016
Not much of an update. No pain as usual. Felt my arm to be really stable. Xrays looked the same.
Was rather optimistic that i would be able to remove my cast soon.
Doctor told me another 2 to 3 weeks more. Yay.
I was still not able to wash my hair. Had to visit the salon to get it washed.
Was rather optimistic that i would be able to remove my cast soon.
Doctor told me another 2 to 3 weeks more. Yay.
I was still not able to wash my hair. Had to visit the salon to get it washed.
4th week - 18 April 2016 to 24 April 2016
Appointment with the doctor on thursday.
Alignment is fine. X rays looked the same as before. The doctor prescribed me with calcium tablets.
For the week, i felt that my arm was stronger and was able to lift up my arm highter. The nurses that do my cast were able to see the difference. I was able to move my injured arm with help from my normal arm. I was not able to do so previously.
Alignment is fine. X rays looked the same as before. The doctor prescribed me with calcium tablets.
For the week, i felt that my arm was stronger and was able to lift up my arm highter. The nurses that do my cast were able to see the difference. I was able to move my injured arm with help from my normal arm. I was not able to do so previously.
3rd week - 11 April 2016 to 17 April 2016
It's the third week.
I managed to get my own wireless keyboard and brought it to my workplace so that typing of reports will be easier. I was able to type with both hands with the wiressless keyboard placed on my lap. I could not lift up my arm, so this was a good way to type.
On thusday, review with the doctor. Doctor said alignment was good and kept me in the cast.
Thurrsday late afternoon, i was at my parent's place when my dad scalded his whole body with a pot of boiling soup. He was scalded baldy. My mum was feeding my two nieces, who are 2 and 3 yeas old, and was caught in a tough situation. My mum had to send my dad to to the hospital and someone have to look after my nieces at home and feed them. I took on the role to look after my two nieces and fed them with my one arm. They were very coopertative and understood that i had fractured my arm and they sat down and let me feed them easily.
I managed to get my own wireless keyboard and brought it to my workplace so that typing of reports will be easier. I was able to type with both hands with the wiressless keyboard placed on my lap. I could not lift up my arm, so this was a good way to type.
On thusday, review with the doctor. Doctor said alignment was good and kept me in the cast.
Thurrsday late afternoon, i was at my parent's place when my dad scalded his whole body with a pot of boiling soup. He was scalded baldy. My mum was feeding my two nieces, who are 2 and 3 yeas old, and was caught in a tough situation. My mum had to send my dad to to the hospital and someone have to look after my nieces at home and feed them. I took on the role to look after my two nieces and fed them with my one arm. They were very coopertative and understood that i had fractured my arm and they sat down and let me feed them easily.
Sunday 8 May 2016
2nd week - 5th April 2016 to 10th April 2016
5th April 2016 - Trip to A&E
Was supposed to be back at work, however my situation does not permit. My fingers joints are turning purple and my hands and fingers had gotten very swollen. As per advised from the Iceland doctor, I went to SGH A&E for my treatment in the morning. Waited for sometime and the doctor told me that he could not do anything and will not be removing my cast and would not take any xray. He commented that the collar and cuff looks too low and told the nurse to put me at a more elevated position. I went out of the doctor's room and waited for the nurses. At the nurse room, I told the nurse that i was not able to raise my arm and the nurse got another doctor in the room to take a look at my condition. The female doctor, i reckon, is more senior than the A&E doctor suggested for an xray given 1 week had past since my injury. Did my xray and my A&E doctor, together with an orthopedic advised that alignment was good. I was scheduled for an appointment with the orthopedic on 11 April 2016. Was given hospitalisation leave. I managed to change my top too with the help of the nurse. Finally had a change after 10 days.
Met my father after A&E. I did not tell my parents that i got myself injured. I only told them when i came back from my holiday. Met my mom afterwards and took a rest at my mom's place. My nieces saw my arm and asked if that was a bandage and if i bleed. I told them 'yes" even though, i did not bleed. haha. kids
6th April 2016 - 1st day back at work
Went back to work. My boss and colleagues were shock at the extend of my injury. Read and cleared my emails and catch up with some work. As i was using a laptop, it was difficult to type with one hand. Moreover, my office did not have any wireless keyboard, hence i have to sit upright to type. Left early that day. Went back to my mom's place for rest and had a hair wash at a salon.
7th April 2016 - 1st visit to the Orthopedic
After i got injured in Iceland, i had gotten my brother to arrange for an appointment with an orthopedic as we knew that getting an outpatient specilist appointment is rather difficult and the wait is usually pretty long. My brother managed to get an appointment for me on 7th APril 2016 with a senior consultant doctor koh. Got my cast removed and i finally saw my arm after many days. My arm looks distorted. Doctor inspected my arm and instructed the nurses for a plaster cast for me. Did the cast and followed by xray. Doctor examined my xray and told me that my injury was pretty long and may take time, at least a few months to heal. She scheduled another appointment a week later. Met my dad and went to my mom's place to rest thereafter.
8th April 2016
back to work again and had dinner at my mom's place. my aunt came and was shocked to see my injury.
9th April 2016 - First saturday in Singapore with my injured arm.
Met my friend for lunch at One KM. had steamboat. the waitresses were very nice to us and kept checking on my arm.
Had dinner gathering with my in laws' family. They were shock to see my injury too.
10th April 2016
Lazing around and visited my mom.
5th April 2016 - Trip to A&E
Was supposed to be back at work, however my situation does not permit. My fingers joints are turning purple and my hands and fingers had gotten very swollen. As per advised from the Iceland doctor, I went to SGH A&E for my treatment in the morning. Waited for sometime and the doctor told me that he could not do anything and will not be removing my cast and would not take any xray. He commented that the collar and cuff looks too low and told the nurse to put me at a more elevated position. I went out of the doctor's room and waited for the nurses. At the nurse room, I told the nurse that i was not able to raise my arm and the nurse got another doctor in the room to take a look at my condition. The female doctor, i reckon, is more senior than the A&E doctor suggested for an xray given 1 week had past since my injury. Did my xray and my A&E doctor, together with an orthopedic advised that alignment was good. I was scheduled for an appointment with the orthopedic on 11 April 2016. Was given hospitalisation leave. I managed to change my top too with the help of the nurse. Finally had a change after 10 days.
Met my father after A&E. I did not tell my parents that i got myself injured. I only told them when i came back from my holiday. Met my mom afterwards and took a rest at my mom's place. My nieces saw my arm and asked if that was a bandage and if i bleed. I told them 'yes" even though, i did not bleed. haha. kids
6th April 2016 - 1st day back at work
Went back to work. My boss and colleagues were shock at the extend of my injury. Read and cleared my emails and catch up with some work. As i was using a laptop, it was difficult to type with one hand. Moreover, my office did not have any wireless keyboard, hence i have to sit upright to type. Left early that day. Went back to my mom's place for rest and had a hair wash at a salon.
7th April 2016 - 1st visit to the Orthopedic
After i got injured in Iceland, i had gotten my brother to arrange for an appointment with an orthopedic as we knew that getting an outpatient specilist appointment is rather difficult and the wait is usually pretty long. My brother managed to get an appointment for me on 7th APril 2016 with a senior consultant doctor koh. Got my cast removed and i finally saw my arm after many days. My arm looks distorted. Doctor inspected my arm and instructed the nurses for a plaster cast for me. Did the cast and followed by xray. Doctor examined my xray and told me that my injury was pretty long and may take time, at least a few months to heal. She scheduled another appointment a week later. Met my dad and went to my mom's place to rest thereafter.
8th April 2016
back to work again and had dinner at my mom's place. my aunt came and was shocked to see my injury.
9th April 2016 - First saturday in Singapore with my injured arm.
Met my friend for lunch at One KM. had steamboat. the waitresses were very nice to us and kept checking on my arm.
Had dinner gathering with my in laws' family. They were shock to see my injury too.
10th April 2016
Lazing around and visited my mom.
Sunday 1 May 2016
The first few days after my fracture.
I read other blogs and many people just stayed at home and rested for the first few days after the fracture. As i was on my Honeymoon and flew such a long way to Iceland, i was determined to complete my journey and did not want to abort the trip and return back to Singapore. We rented a car and this made travelling much easier.
2nd day - 28 March 2016
Woke up and managed to use my core and my side arm strength to get myself out of the bed.
The day after my fracture, we had to head to Reykjavik from Selfoss to look for a pharmacy to get prescriptions for painkillers. The doctor prescribed paracetamol + codeine. I did a search and found out that codeine is a form of narcotics. Me, being anti medication and painkillers, refrained from taking any painkillers unless it gets unbearable. Nonetheless, on the safe side, we decided to get these medications. At Reykjavik , it was a public holiday, pharmacies were closed, but i met my ex colleague there and passed her the stuff which i bought from Singapore to her.
As our original plan was disrupted due to the accident, we twigged our route and had a slow day by visiting supermarkets, skogafoss and had a slow scenic drive. We stayed at Aurora bubble Hotel that night. It is our most expensive accommodation for our Iceland trip, but i was not able to fully enjoy it. The bed was low and i had a difficult time getting to bed. i had to drop down on to my knees and put one leg onto the mattress before my husband lay me down. It was cold and snowing outside. not the best condition for a fractured person to be out in the wild.
3rd day - 29 March 2016
We continued our journey and toured the golden circle before staying at Idgloo guesthouse at Reykjavik for the night. I felt very cold for the whole day as i could not wear my coat fully. For some spots, i just waited in the car while my husband went out to take pictures. We also managed to get our painkiller supplies from the pharmacy at Reykjavik,
Pain has significantly subsided. Had my first shower (only for lower body) as my bandage was across my chest and i could not take my top off.
4th day - 30 March 2016
We traveled slightly northwards and reached hellnar. We saw Fjords and more snow capped mountains and glaciers.
The weather was unpredictable too, we experienced great sunshine to heavy snow during our drive. The evening was spent at Blue Lagoon. I had planned the visit to the lagoon for a long time and was looking forward to it tremendously. It was one of my top priority of this trip. We have booked our tickets online and told them about my circumstances. blue lagoon offered to upgrade my husband's package and provided him towels and robes ,while i waited at the lounge for him. I really want to get into the water when i saw how blue and warm the water looks, but too bad for me. My husband enjoyed himself and was in the water for quite some time.
We were flying with Icelandair. check in was self service, i told the staff if i could do the check in at the counter due to my disability, they told me that check in counter is for travellers who are really immobile and i have a travelling partner with me, so i was not allowed. Oh well. We did our check in and at the luggage drop counter.
At the immigration check, the security asked me what was under my shirt, as my shirt was baggy and loose. I told her it is a "broken arm", she touched and looked at it, and looks apologetic.
The flight was full, and one of the stewardess on the flight asked how i got injured. The stewardess was friendly but it was quite an uncomfortable flight with my arm and hand swelling. I felt trapped in my economy class seat. However the flight was short, about 3 hours. napped a little, had some tasty Icelandic water and apple soda.
We reached Copenhagen, dragged my luggage with one arm, took the subway/train to the city and reached our hotel (best western city) pretty quickly.
We were planning to cycle in Copenhagen, like everyone does, but the plan was aborted too. We have to walk to most of the tourist places and it was very tiring and cold for me. My shoulders, back and neck ached from having to support my arm. I looked for every opportunity to sit and rest. Nevertheless, we survived.
6th day - 1 April 2016 - Period
My period came. Cramps + fractured humerus, not the best combination. Changing my sanitary pad with one hand, showering, menstrual cramp, fracture pain, all these add up to be rather torturous. Popped some painkillers to kill all these negativeness away. Headed to some city historic walk and carlsberg tour.was an exhausting day
This was also the day where i can get onto the bed for my sleep on my own, though painful.
7th day - 2 April 2016 - Period
Its one week after the fracture. The pain significantly subsided and i felt much better. Though my back and neck and shoulder was aching, we managed to travel rather far and went to many places (Frederiksborg. Kronborg castle. Stroget). It was an enjoyable day as it was the last day before we fly back to Singapore
8th day - 3 & 4 April 2016 - the long flight home.
In the morning, we took at canal tour at nyhavn. It was an incredible beautiful journey. Totally enjoyed it and it only cost 6Euro for 1 hour.
We dragged our luggage and took the subway to the airport. The train was rather full and nobody gave up their seat for me. Check in at the airport was smooth. We requested for better seats and the counter suggested we request at the boarding gate. Queue at the security check was long, no priority given.
At the boarding gate, the Qatar airways staff told us that they could not put me at the emergency row given my mobility condition and suggested a row near the baby. However i declined. We stuck to our original seats which were the aisle and middle seat at the left window side.
We boarded the plane and it was rather full and the stewardess on-board told me that they will give me a better seat if available. My hopes were high as we saw a front row seat being empty. Before i could request to take that row, a Caucasian couple sought the air crew's approval and they successfully got those seats. So much for saying that they will leave the better seats for me, an injured person.
In the end, I moved to the aisle away from my husband and sat at a row where there was an empty seat. Honeymoon on a separate seats. Oh well. However there was a particular nice stewardess who will check on me. Thank you for that.
We arrived at Doha, and was informed that our flight back to Singapore will be delayed. Security check at transit was long, no priority was given too. Requested for better seats at the boarding gate too, but flight was full. Oh well. I sat at the aisle while my husband sat at the middle seat beside the window. Poor thing. The flight was long and we were really tired.
The flight back to Singapore was very uncomfortable. Long flight plus delay. My arm was swollen and my back, neck, shoulder ached terribly. It was also difficult to eat on the plane, given the small space and opening the food packaging was a chore. Spreading butter on the bread was a no-no for me. The crew from Doha to Singapore did not seem to realize my arm was injured. No special attention given. Oh well. For the price i paid, cant expect too much.
WE reached Singapore and more security check. No priority given too. At the skytrain at T3, a group of china tourist were rather noisy and rowdy and one of them knocked onto my arm. My arm jerk and it was very painful too.
Back home, my mother in law brought me to my first hair wash after 8 days. It felt sooo good to have someone massaging my scalp and washing all the dirt and oil from my hair.
I read other blogs and many people just stayed at home and rested for the first few days after the fracture. As i was on my Honeymoon and flew such a long way to Iceland, i was determined to complete my journey and did not want to abort the trip and return back to Singapore. We rented a car and this made travelling much easier.
2nd day - 28 March 2016
Woke up and managed to use my core and my side arm strength to get myself out of the bed.
The day after my fracture, we had to head to Reykjavik from Selfoss to look for a pharmacy to get prescriptions for painkillers. The doctor prescribed paracetamol + codeine. I did a search and found out that codeine is a form of narcotics. Me, being anti medication and painkillers, refrained from taking any painkillers unless it gets unbearable. Nonetheless, on the safe side, we decided to get these medications. At Reykjavik , it was a public holiday, pharmacies were closed, but i met my ex colleague there and passed her the stuff which i bought from Singapore to her.
As our original plan was disrupted due to the accident, we twigged our route and had a slow day by visiting supermarkets, skogafoss and had a slow scenic drive. We stayed at Aurora bubble Hotel that night. It is our most expensive accommodation for our Iceland trip, but i was not able to fully enjoy it. The bed was low and i had a difficult time getting to bed. i had to drop down on to my knees and put one leg onto the mattress before my husband lay me down. It was cold and snowing outside. not the best condition for a fractured person to be out in the wild.
3rd day - 29 March 2016
We continued our journey and toured the golden circle before staying at Idgloo guesthouse at Reykjavik for the night. I felt very cold for the whole day as i could not wear my coat fully. For some spots, i just waited in the car while my husband went out to take pictures. We also managed to get our painkiller supplies from the pharmacy at Reykjavik,
Pain has significantly subsided. Had my first shower (only for lower body) as my bandage was across my chest and i could not take my top off.
4th day - 30 March 2016
We traveled slightly northwards and reached hellnar. We saw Fjords and more snow capped mountains and glaciers.
The weather was unpredictable too, we experienced great sunshine to heavy snow during our drive. The evening was spent at Blue Lagoon. I had planned the visit to the lagoon for a long time and was looking forward to it tremendously. It was one of my top priority of this trip. We have booked our tickets online and told them about my circumstances. blue lagoon offered to upgrade my husband's package and provided him towels and robes ,while i waited at the lounge for him. I really want to get into the water when i saw how blue and warm the water looks, but too bad for me. My husband enjoyed himself and was in the water for quite some time.
5th day - 31 March 2016 - Flying with a cast
Our flight to Copenhagen was early, at around 7+am. My husband wanted to stop his car at the departure area and carried our luggage into the terminal building, however the security personnel stopped him as no car can be left idle and unattended. The security personnel offered to bring the luggage for us .Thank you.We were flying with Icelandair. check in was self service, i told the staff if i could do the check in at the counter due to my disability, they told me that check in counter is for travellers who are really immobile and i have a travelling partner with me, so i was not allowed. Oh well. We did our check in and at the luggage drop counter.
At the immigration check, the security asked me what was under my shirt, as my shirt was baggy and loose. I told her it is a "broken arm", she touched and looked at it, and looks apologetic.
The flight was full, and one of the stewardess on the flight asked how i got injured. The stewardess was friendly but it was quite an uncomfortable flight with my arm and hand swelling. I felt trapped in my economy class seat. However the flight was short, about 3 hours. napped a little, had some tasty Icelandic water and apple soda.
We reached Copenhagen, dragged my luggage with one arm, took the subway/train to the city and reached our hotel (best western city) pretty quickly.
We were planning to cycle in Copenhagen, like everyone does, but the plan was aborted too. We have to walk to most of the tourist places and it was very tiring and cold for me. My shoulders, back and neck ached from having to support my arm. I looked for every opportunity to sit and rest. Nevertheless, we survived.
6th day - 1 April 2016 - Period
My period came. Cramps + fractured humerus, not the best combination. Changing my sanitary pad with one hand, showering, menstrual cramp, fracture pain, all these add up to be rather torturous. Popped some painkillers to kill all these negativeness away. Headed to some city historic walk and carlsberg tour.was an exhausting day
7th day - 2 April 2016 - Period
Its one week after the fracture. The pain significantly subsided and i felt much better. Though my back and neck and shoulder was aching, we managed to travel rather far and went to many places (Frederiksborg. Kronborg castle. Stroget). It was an enjoyable day as it was the last day before we fly back to Singapore
8th day - 3 & 4 April 2016 - the long flight home.
In the morning, we took at canal tour at nyhavn. It was an incredible beautiful journey. Totally enjoyed it and it only cost 6Euro for 1 hour.
We dragged our luggage and took the subway to the airport. The train was rather full and nobody gave up their seat for me. Check in at the airport was smooth. We requested for better seats and the counter suggested we request at the boarding gate. Queue at the security check was long, no priority given.
At the boarding gate, the Qatar airways staff told us that they could not put me at the emergency row given my mobility condition and suggested a row near the baby. However i declined. We stuck to our original seats which were the aisle and middle seat at the left window side.
We boarded the plane and it was rather full and the stewardess on-board told me that they will give me a better seat if available. My hopes were high as we saw a front row seat being empty. Before i could request to take that row, a Caucasian couple sought the air crew's approval and they successfully got those seats. So much for saying that they will leave the better seats for me, an injured person.
In the end, I moved to the aisle away from my husband and sat at a row where there was an empty seat. Honeymoon on a separate seats. Oh well. However there was a particular nice stewardess who will check on me. Thank you for that.
We arrived at Doha, and was informed that our flight back to Singapore will be delayed. Security check at transit was long, no priority was given too. Requested for better seats at the boarding gate too, but flight was full. Oh well. I sat at the aisle while my husband sat at the middle seat beside the window. Poor thing. The flight was long and we were really tired.
The flight back to Singapore was very uncomfortable. Long flight plus delay. My arm was swollen and my back, neck, shoulder ached terribly. It was also difficult to eat on the plane, given the small space and opening the food packaging was a chore. Spreading butter on the bread was a no-no for me. The crew from Doha to Singapore did not seem to realize my arm was injured. No special attention given. Oh well. For the price i paid, cant expect too much.
WE reached Singapore and more security check. No priority given too. At the skytrain at T3, a group of china tourist were rather noisy and rowdy and one of them knocked onto my arm. My arm jerk and it was very painful too.
Back home, my mother in law brought me to my first hair wash after 8 days. It felt sooo good to have someone massaging my scalp and washing all the dirt and oil from my hair.
Saturday 30 April 2016
The accident
The accident on 27 March 2016. Easter day.
A little background of how my day went before the accident.
It was the 9th day of our honeymoon trip in Europe and the 5th day in Iceland. We are on our halfway mark of our south eastern coast road trip and we are on the return direction back to Reykjavik. As a typical newly-wed, we travelled all the all the way from Singapore to Sweden to Iceland for our honeymoon, never expecting such an accident could happen.
We started the day after checking out from our guesthouse in Hofn (apotek guesthouse) , not having much of an itniary, only knowing that we will head to Skaftafell national park and staying at Nupar for the night. Along the way, we stopped at Jokulsarlon again and stopping at other beatufiul phototaking spots along the way. Very typical of a iceland road trip.
At Skaftafell national park, we decided on 2 spots to go, one is Skaftafellsjökull and the other is Svartifoss. Based on the visitor information provided at the park, these two routes are an easy walk and can be completed within an hour each Skaftafellsjökull is a magnificient glacier and we managed to visit it with ease, despite the strong winds.
We took a break and ate some bread and chocolate at the carpark before setting off for Svartifoss.
There were some uphill climb for the route to Svartifoss, but not too tiring and the weather was good, bright though a little cloudy. We even felt warm and started to sweat a little from the walk. Snow and ice which are beside the paved roads are starting to melt. We managed to catch a glimpse of the waterfall and it was beautiful. On hindsight, when i looked at these photos now, i felt a little eerie. Probably psychological.
The accident, time around 1445
Melted snow and ice are starting to cover the paved roads to the waterfall and there is a downhill walk. As it was slippery, we decided to head back and not to go too close to the waterfall. After approximately 10-20 steps after we made the decision, I slipped and fell. I could not actually recall how i landed but it was very painful on my arm. I was lying body flat on the ground but my head could turn. I looked at my left arm, it looks out of place and very far away from my body. I started shouting "my arm, my arm". My husband, who was behind me rushed forward with a worried look. People around us came to us too. A nice lady suggested to immobilise my arm as i could have broken my arm or shoulder. I could not tell where i broke it, but only knew that my arm felt loose and extremely painful and heavy. As i could not get up on my own, given the slippery ice/snow, the nice lady and my husband helped me up. and she started to wrap and immobilise my arm with my husband's and my scarves. The people around us suggested that we call the visitor centre for help and the nice lady even helped me walk to the paved path. I walked slowly towards the visitor centre direction. however there is about 1km of downhill road to walk and it was very painful to be walking. My husband managed to contact the visitor centre and they told us they will be coming up to help us. About 10 minutes later, Lydia and her partner from the rescue team from the visitor centre arrived and wrapped me again to stablise my arm. We made our way down a little more to reach the road where the rescue team 's car is parked. It was difficult boarding the car, as it was high but i managed to. The bumpy road down to the visitor centre did no good for my pain too.
At the visitor centre, Lydia called the ambulance and gave me ice to ice my arm. We waited for about 1 hour for the ambulance to arrive. During the wait, Lydia was very kind and ensured that we are comfortable. We chatted about Iceland and I know more about Iceland education system. Lydia told us that the nearest clinic is about 40mintues drive away, hence the wait. The ambulance finally came at about 1615. the Paramedics observed me and we walked to the ambulance. It was a difficult climb up the ambulance and getting down onto the collapsible stretcher. the paramedic unwrapped the scarves on my arm and observe a little and called the doctor. The doctor advised painkiller and a trip to the hospital. The paramedics had to inject me with morphine as painkiller but as i was in layers of clothes, he wanted to cut my clothes. I was all ready for him to cut, but he insisted that i took off my outerwear. Probably he was afraid that it is too expensive so I took it off with great pain and he cut the remaining 3 layer of my clothing to inject the morphine. He seems nervous, trembling a little. i wonder why. We were all ready to set off to the hospital, which is about 3hours ride away at Selfoss. Given that we have a rented car, my husband could not follow and had to drive to the hospital.
On the ambulance, my arm was rested on my lap and the paramedic held on to my side of my arm. It was really a bumpy ride and was very painful whenever the amublance went passed the bumpy parts of the road. As i could not see the weather outside, i was worried about the safety of my husband. Iceland is known for unpredictable weather and i was afraid it might be snowing or raining and it will be dangerous for my husband. i prayed a little in the ambulance, checking on my watch constantly. I was sleepy, probably due to the drugs, but i refused to sleep as i felt unsettled.
The paramedic tried to spell my name in order to fill up the hospital form, but we had some language barrier and he couldn't spell my name, but luckily i am a right hander so i could actually write.
After 3 hours, i arrived at the hospital at Selfoss. The paramedics pushed me to the hospital but I have to climb out of the stretcher to change to the hospital bed. i waited for my turn and for my husband to arrive. A&E does not seem busy except for one other patient. A nurse came to introduce herself then she left. A doctor came to introduce himself and left again. Waited and waited. Doctor finally returned and touched my arm at various places to test for my pain. Finally, at about 8, they sent me to xray. It was a painful walk to the xray The radiographer told me i have broken my humerus and showed me my xray. My bone looks displaced. Back at the A&E, waited for the doctor and nurses and my husband again. Finally, they all came at about 830. Was so glad to see them. Doctor said that he consulted the orthopedics at Rekyjavik and they suggested no surgery is required. My husband who had my passport with me dealt with my registration and payment and the doctor instructed the nurses to do a cast for me. The nurses cut my sleeves and followed the guide to cast my arm.
The cast was warm and it actually felt comfortable. A collar and cuff was also provided. The doctor told us to head to the orthopedic when we are back in Singapore.
As it was late, around 930pm ,we could not go back to our original accommodation for the night, which is about 200km away. We found ourselves at Selfoss Hostel. a 5 minutes drive from the hospital. We had a quick dinner of instant cup noodles and head out to look for aurora. The Australian reception at the hostel told us to catch the aurora and suggested us to take a 5 minutes drive out of town. It was a clear day and we saw the aurora quite effortlessly. It was bright and green, however i did not get out of the car to view it as it was too cold for me. i could not wear my jacket. it was extremely cold for me with my sweater and thermal wear being cut off too.
Washing up at the hostel was difficult too. Just wiped myself with wipes and did not even bother to change my clothes. Lying down onto the bed was extremely difficult too. My husband had to hold me and slowly put me down. I slept with my hand resting at my pelvic as that was the most comfortable position and for the first time in my life, i think i did not twist or turn while sleeping.
What an epic and unforgettable day of our honeymoon.
A little background of how my day went before the accident.
It was the 9th day of our honeymoon trip in Europe and the 5th day in Iceland. We are on our halfway mark of our south eastern coast road trip and we are on the return direction back to Reykjavik. As a typical newly-wed, we travelled all the all the way from Singapore to Sweden to Iceland for our honeymoon, never expecting such an accident could happen.
We started the day after checking out from our guesthouse in Hofn (apotek guesthouse) , not having much of an itniary, only knowing that we will head to Skaftafell national park and staying at Nupar for the night. Along the way, we stopped at Jokulsarlon again and stopping at other beatufiul phototaking spots along the way. Very typical of a iceland road trip.
At Skaftafell national park, we decided on 2 spots to go, one is Skaftafellsjökull and the other is Svartifoss. Based on the visitor information provided at the park, these two routes are an easy walk and can be completed within an hour each Skaftafellsjökull is a magnificient glacier and we managed to visit it with ease, despite the strong winds.
There were some uphill climb for the route to Svartifoss, but not too tiring and the weather was good, bright though a little cloudy. We even felt warm and started to sweat a little from the walk. Snow and ice which are beside the paved roads are starting to melt. We managed to catch a glimpse of the waterfall and it was beautiful. On hindsight, when i looked at these photos now, i felt a little eerie. Probably psychological.
The accident, time around 1445
Melted snow and ice are starting to cover the paved roads to the waterfall and there is a downhill walk. As it was slippery, we decided to head back and not to go too close to the waterfall. After approximately 10-20 steps after we made the decision, I slipped and fell. I could not actually recall how i landed but it was very painful on my arm. I was lying body flat on the ground but my head could turn. I looked at my left arm, it looks out of place and very far away from my body. I started shouting "my arm, my arm". My husband, who was behind me rushed forward with a worried look. People around us came to us too. A nice lady suggested to immobilise my arm as i could have broken my arm or shoulder. I could not tell where i broke it, but only knew that my arm felt loose and extremely painful and heavy. As i could not get up on my own, given the slippery ice/snow, the nice lady and my husband helped me up. and she started to wrap and immobilise my arm with my husband's and my scarves. The people around us suggested that we call the visitor centre for help and the nice lady even helped me walk to the paved path. I walked slowly towards the visitor centre direction. however there is about 1km of downhill road to walk and it was very painful to be walking. My husband managed to contact the visitor centre and they told us they will be coming up to help us. About 10 minutes later, Lydia and her partner from the rescue team from the visitor centre arrived and wrapped me again to stablise my arm. We made our way down a little more to reach the road where the rescue team 's car is parked. It was difficult boarding the car, as it was high but i managed to. The bumpy road down to the visitor centre did no good for my pain too.
At the visitor centre, Lydia called the ambulance and gave me ice to ice my arm. We waited for about 1 hour for the ambulance to arrive. During the wait, Lydia was very kind and ensured that we are comfortable. We chatted about Iceland and I know more about Iceland education system. Lydia told us that the nearest clinic is about 40mintues drive away, hence the wait. The ambulance finally came at about 1615. the Paramedics observed me and we walked to the ambulance. It was a difficult climb up the ambulance and getting down onto the collapsible stretcher. the paramedic unwrapped the scarves on my arm and observe a little and called the doctor. The doctor advised painkiller and a trip to the hospital. The paramedics had to inject me with morphine as painkiller but as i was in layers of clothes, he wanted to cut my clothes. I was all ready for him to cut, but he insisted that i took off my outerwear. Probably he was afraid that it is too expensive so I took it off with great pain and he cut the remaining 3 layer of my clothing to inject the morphine. He seems nervous, trembling a little. i wonder why. We were all ready to set off to the hospital, which is about 3hours ride away at Selfoss. Given that we have a rented car, my husband could not follow and had to drive to the hospital.
On the ambulance, my arm was rested on my lap and the paramedic held on to my side of my arm. It was really a bumpy ride and was very painful whenever the amublance went passed the bumpy parts of the road. As i could not see the weather outside, i was worried about the safety of my husband. Iceland is known for unpredictable weather and i was afraid it might be snowing or raining and it will be dangerous for my husband. i prayed a little in the ambulance, checking on my watch constantly. I was sleepy, probably due to the drugs, but i refused to sleep as i felt unsettled.
The paramedic tried to spell my name in order to fill up the hospital form, but we had some language barrier and he couldn't spell my name, but luckily i am a right hander so i could actually write.
After 3 hours, i arrived at the hospital at Selfoss. The paramedics pushed me to the hospital but I have to climb out of the stretcher to change to the hospital bed. i waited for my turn and for my husband to arrive. A&E does not seem busy except for one other patient. A nurse came to introduce herself then she left. A doctor came to introduce himself and left again. Waited and waited. Doctor finally returned and touched my arm at various places to test for my pain. Finally, at about 8, they sent me to xray. It was a painful walk to the xray The radiographer told me i have broken my humerus and showed me my xray. My bone looks displaced. Back at the A&E, waited for the doctor and nurses and my husband again. Finally, they all came at about 830. Was so glad to see them. Doctor said that he consulted the orthopedics at Rekyjavik and they suggested no surgery is required. My husband who had my passport with me dealt with my registration and payment and the doctor instructed the nurses to do a cast for me. The nurses cut my sleeves and followed the guide to cast my arm.
The cast was warm and it actually felt comfortable. A collar and cuff was also provided. The doctor told us to head to the orthopedic when we are back in Singapore.
As it was late, around 930pm ,we could not go back to our original accommodation for the night, which is about 200km away. We found ourselves at Selfoss Hostel. a 5 minutes drive from the hospital. We had a quick dinner of instant cup noodles and head out to look for aurora. The Australian reception at the hostel told us to catch the aurora and suggested us to take a 5 minutes drive out of town. It was a clear day and we saw the aurora quite effortlessly. It was bright and green, however i did not get out of the car to view it as it was too cold for me. i could not wear my jacket. it was extremely cold for me with my sweater and thermal wear being cut off too.
Washing up at the hostel was difficult too. Just wiped myself with wipes and did not even bother to change my clothes. Lying down onto the bed was extremely difficult too. My husband had to hold me and slowly put me down. I slept with my hand resting at my pelvic as that was the most comfortable position and for the first time in my life, i think i did not twist or turn while sleeping.
What an epic and unforgettable day of our honeymoon.
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